Travel Hawaii in 13 days: Haleakala National Park Maui Day 5

There are several road trips that can be done in Maui. Of course, Road to Hana is the most famous of these. Today, we’re heading to Haleakala National Park, where we were treated to views from over 2000 metres above sea level!

What to do at Haleakala National Park

Initially, Kate felt that it was not worth the trip to drive an hour from Maui Seaside Hotel to Haleakala National Park. However, Tom had a friend who visited Haleakala a month earlier, said that it was a “must do” trip as you’d be able to stand “among the clouds”. Hence, after much persuasion from Tom, Kate relented and planned for the trip!

Views from Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park Observatory at 3053 metres

Kate @ 3053 metres

Haleakala Observatories

While driving up to the summit of Mount Haleakala, we noticed that the roads were winding and a little steep at some points (but of course not as steep as the slopes of San Francisco). Also, there are portions of road where oncoming lanes and your lane merge. Of course, there’ll be breath taking views as you ascent and descent from the summit, so do drive carefully and be careful of oncoming traffic on this road trip!

Views from summit of Haleakala National Park

As described by Tom’s friend, the view from the summit of Mount Haleakala was indeed magical! It was as though we were transported to a different dimension. Views of the surrounding ocean with the clouds right next to you was indeed surreal. Makes the saying “floating among the clouds“, take on a whole new meaning.

If you take another view towards the observatories, you’ll get another totally different “feel”. That view reminds us of the sophisticated systems that we (humans) will probably have on Mars one day!

From Haleakala National Park to Lahaina and Nakalele Blowhole

After the scenic descent from Haleakala National Park, we headed to Lahaina to check out this town by the west coast of Maui…

Beach views (and refreshing coconut juice) at Lahaina

To us, Lahaina is a touristy beach front destination. There are shops, restaurants and little specialty stores lining the main street. After lunch (from Foodland!), we headed to Nakalele Blowhole and along the way, took in some scenic coastal views…

Scenic views enroute to Nakalele Blowhole

A hidden beach

Clear Blue Waters

Beach View

As you drive towards Nakalele Blowhole, you’ll not be able to see the entrance. There isn’t a sign to tell you that you’ve arrived. Hence, as you’re getting close, be on the look out for bee line of cars. After you’ve parked, you’ll have to take a short 50 meters walk before you see Nakalele Blowhole from the top of a cliff. You can descend to Nakelele Blowhole like many tourist do or you can just soak in the views by finding a place to sit close to parking area. While we were there, it was also the whale migrating season. Thank the Lord that we were also able to see His creations passing by, spouting water in the distance. You may be able to see them in the video below, if you notice carefully…

In summary, these were some areas we visited while in Maui…

In the evening, we had early dinner at Koho’s Grill and Bar in Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, before flying off early nex morning to the capital of Oahu – Honolulu!